Canada wins series over Argentina

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (August 7, 2014) – Canada’s national men’s volleyball team took the third and deciding match in its exhibition series against Argentina in five sets on Wednesday night. Both countries are tuning up for the FIVB World Championships at the end of the month.

The Canadians won 21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-25, 15-11. They also won the opener in five on Monday night before Argentina responded with a four-set victory on Tuesday.

‘’It was a very tough match,’’ said Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag. ‘’The team really wanted the trophy and fought hard. Due to injuries some of our players had to play every match. But we played with heart.’’

Gavin Schmitt of Saskatoon was Canada’s top scorer with 26 points, Gord Perrin of Creston, B.C., added 15, Nicholas Hoag of Sherbrooke, Que., 14 and Daniel Jansen Van Doorn of Langley, B.C., 13 including four blocks and three aces.

‘’Our serving game was on all match and our block defence was again efficient,’’ said Hoag. ‘’T.J. Sanders (London, Ont.) ran a good offence and everyone contributed to this win. I am very proud of the guys given that the state of fatigue they were in. They showed a lot of character.’’

The Canadians will train with Argentina on Friday before returning to its home base in Gatineau to resume final preparations for worlds.